Longmont's Memorial Day celebrations honor service members, veterans

LONGMONT -- Dozens gathered at Foothills Gardens of Memory cemetery this morning for a Memorial Day ceremony honoring service members and veterans.

Flags planted near the headstones of fallen military members, wreaths lining the entrance and participants decorated with stars and stripes colored the cemetery with red, white and blue for the morning's remembrance.

Frederick resident Toni DiGiallonardo said she has not attended a Memorial Day ceremony since childhood but was compelled to attend this year because of her mother's recent death and to support a co-worker whose son is serving in Kuwait.

"I wanted to come be with my mom and pray for the families who have someone serving overseas," DiGiallonardo said. "It has been really emotional for me with my mom and everything just coming together."

"When you get a little hair on your chest we will enlist you in the Marine Corps," says Robert Connor, a World War II veteran with the Marine Corps, as he shakes hands with Chase Baum, 9, after Memorial Day services at Foothills Cemetery in Longmont on Monday.
(Greg Lindstrom)

DiGiallonardo said the ceremony gave her a place to support and pray for the families who have loved ones serving overseas.

As a child, DiGiallonardo said Memorial Day tributes were a family tradition, which she plans to revive after being touched by today's tribute.

The 15-minute ceremony included the rendering of military honors and a three-volley rifle salute.

Veterans dressed in uniform presented flowers in front of the crowd in remembrance of their fallen brothers and sisters in arms.

Most stood with their hands over their hearts or saluting as the sounding of taps ended the annual event.

The American Legion Post 32 hosted similar services at Stephen Day Park and Mountain View Cemetery and hosted a free lunch at their facility in Longmont.

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